Allow mechanical haulers and recreational scallop fishing
Petitioners ask to permit mechanical haulers and let commercial fishers take scallops recreationally in Newfoundland and Labrador. The government responds that mechanized gear is prohibited for conservation; companions may assist, and dual licences are barred.
Why we would sign this petition
- Enables elderly or physically limited harvesters to participate by permitting mechanical haulers to retrieve heavy scallop gear.
- Restores a previously allowed practice in Newfoundland and Labrador, preserving a local tradition and access method petitioners cite.
- Permitting commercial fishers recreational scallop fishing would let them legally harvest small quantities for personal use under recreational limits.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- Mechanized haulers could increase fishing effort and damage scallop stocks or habitat, risking the sustainability the petition seeks to protect.
- Allowing commercial fishers recreational access blurs the commercial/recreational boundary, complicating enforcement and fairness among licence holders.
- The government already allows companion assistance and cites conservation reasons; less disruptive alternatives may address accessibility without changing gear rules.
The summary and both sets of reasons are AI-generated from the petition and given equal weight. Claims are the petitioners’ own; consult the official record for the full text.
Official petition
Petition to the Government of Canada WHEREAS: Recreational scallop fishers were allowed in the past to use mechanical haulers to retrieve their scallop rake in Newfoundland and Labrador Waters. The daily catch and possession limits and hear type restrictions currently in place are acceptable. Many who take part in this fishery are elderly and/or physically unable to manually retrieve the heavy fishing gear. Commercial scallop fishers are not permitted to hold recreational licenses to catch scallops. DFO Conservation and Protection are capable of enforcing the law. THEREFORE: We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call on the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans to allow the use of mechanical haulers to retrieve scallop fishing great and to allow commercial scallop fishers to fish scallops recreationally in Newfoundland and Labrador waters.
Government response
Response by the Minister of Fisheries Signed by Ernie Klassen The recreational scallop fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador is open year-round, from January 1 to December 31. Current management measures include a daily limit of 50 scallops and a possession limit of 100 scallops for multi-day trips, along with gear restrictions designed to protect scallop populations. Fisheries and Oceans Canada understands the value of the recreational scallop fishery to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and appreciates the concerns expressed. We recognize that this activity is not only a source of food but also an important tradition and way of life for many, including those who may face physical challenges. Our priority is to protect the resource and ensure its long-term sustainability so it remains available for both current and future generations. In accordance with subsection 22(1) of the Fishery (General) Regulations, for the proper management and control of fisheries and the conservation and protection of fish, the Minister of Fisheries may specify in a licence any condition that is not inconsistent with the Fisheries Act and its regulations. Specifically, paragraph 22(1)(h) of the Fishery (General) Regulations provides that conditions may be specified in a licence with respect to the type, size, and quantity of fishing gear and equipment permitted to be used, as well as the manner in which it may be used. Under the authority of subsection 22(1) of the Fishery (General) Regulations, a condition exists for recreational scallop fishery licences respecting gear authorized to be used. That condition specifies that fishing is authorized only by means of scallop drag, diving, dip-netting, and tongs. This recreational fishery allows for the harvest of a limited quantity of scallops for personal consumption. The use of hydraulic or other mechanized equipment is not permitted as the level of fishing effort and its potential impacts on fish and fish habitat would not be justified given the limited quantity of fish allowed to be caught. Fisheries and Oceans Canada understands that this may present challenges for some individuals – particularly the elderly or those with physical limitations. While hydraulic or mechanical equipment is not permitted, individuals may seek assistance from a companion who holds a valid recreational scallop licence. This option allows participation while respecting conservation requirements. Fisheries and Oceans Canada maintains separation between commercial and recreational fisheries by prohibiting individuals from holding both licence types for the same species. This policy is designed to promote fairness among commercial and recreational licence holders, and supports the orderly and sustainable management of the fishery. Fisheries and Oceans Canada appreciates the input provided and remains committed to working with harvesters and communities to ensure that fisheries are managed responsibly.